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I am writing to paint a picture of my
Valentine’s Day and the worst dining experience of my life.
February 14th my wife and I got dressed up, yes
I wore a tie, and headed to a new restaurant to experience fine dining and a
nice romantic evening. As we pulled into the parking lot of Il Giardino’s
Ristorante on Atlantic
and 10th, we were impressed by the free valet parking and ready for a new
experience. After dropping the car off and heading in the door, we
immediately felt like we were in the wrong place. The door opened into the
back hallway, and we stood by the bathroom and the kitchen as we waited for
someone to welcome us.
As we waited for the hostess to ask for our
names we noticed several ladies walking around in flip flops, and several in
yoga pants. We quickly realized these women worked at Il Giardino’s. The
woman in the flip flops was running in and out of the kitchen, and the yoga
pants, she WAS the hostess. As we were approached by the hostess she asked
if she could help us, we replied yes we have a reservation. Without asking
what time or our name, she said that it would be a few minutes they are
clearing tables. Why did I make the reservation if it didn’t do us any good,
nor did they care to know who they were seating?
After being seated, at the smallest table I have
ever sat, we watched and looked for our waiter. We saw no one and were left
at the table for over five minutes before I was unhappy and already
beginning to wish we had stuck with our favorite place. My wife and I talked
for a few more minutes and finally decided to get up and leave. At the least
someone should have given us a menu and let us know that our waiter would be
with us as soon as he/she was finished with the order he/she was
currently taking. But no, nothing! For at least seven minutes we were left
to ourselves. Even wikihow.com teaches waiters to take no more than a minute
to acknowledge their table.
As we walked out we were eyed by the manager and
the hostess, neither however cared to say a word and acknowledge that they
were losing a costumer. Pity, we drop nearly two hundred dollars when we go
out to dinners. Oh wait, it gets better!
As I stood in the parking lot waiting for the
valet to move several cars and try and locate my car, I met my waiter. He
barged through the door behind my wife and me, and said “What? Did I take to
long to come to your table? You couldn’t wait five minutes?” To this my wife
simply stated “yes, it did take too long”. Ryan began to get louder and more
sarcastic “oh so five minutes is too long? You couldn’t wait for me to
finish? Well I hope you have a good valentine!” and he left. I could not
believe I was chased and yelled at by a waiter! Did he really think it would
help or that I would come back?
Furious I opened my wife’s door, walked around
to the driver’s side, and as I pulled off the lot I called the manager. As I
explained the story to the manager I perceive a bit of an ‘I don’t care’
attitude and got simply an “I am sorry”. There was no attempt to get us to
come back. No attempt to fix the issue, or offer a free appetizer. I was
treated as poorly by her as I was the waiter that took too long.
Within ten minutes I was in front of the hostess
at Fire and Vine explaining the horrible night and promptly seated at a
wonderful table and greeted by my waiter Adam. Within a few minutes even the
manager came by to greet us. We dine at Fire and Vine often and have often
met the chef or the manager of the night. Our evening started horribly and
finished with a bang. Fire and Vine is the nicest restaurant in town, be it
their wonderfully cooked meals, or their excellent staff. I would like to
thank Fire and Vine, and Adam, for the wonderful evening!
Daniel Hege (email-Feb. 2010)
It would be helpful if you had a category for sites that
specialize or at least serve breakfasts.
When on vacations, my husband and I enjoy going for a mid morning
breakfast large enough to carry us through most of the day before we think
of where to go for supper.
Lynn Shelley, Everett PA 03/09
You got your wish, Lynn. See
Breakfast Places
You were
right about Giardino's - excellent food although they have made the focaccia
bread a paid extra. Only the Italian bread is free with the meal. The She
Crab soup at Rockafeller's was outstanding - stuffed with crabmeat!
Carol Miller
Handel's Ice Cream, (Located south of
the Boardwalk, near Sandbridge Road.)
Overall rating 1 out of 5.
I took my family to a much anticipated trip to the ice cream store, on 16
July 2008, only to get into an argument with the store employees. My wife
and I asked for Mint Chocolate Chip and Pralines and Cream and what we got
was mint ice cream with no chips and pralines and cream sans the pralines.
When I expressed my dissatisfaction with the Ice Cream, the manager told me
not to order it again, when I asked to exchange it for something else I was
told I could not exchange it I would have to purchase a different selection.
The staff made no attempt whatsoever to rectify the situation. I paid $20
for ice cream we promptly threw away. Go to Cold Stone or Baskin Robbins if
you want to get what you pay for.
Major Terry McGraw, US Army
Blue Pete's
My family takes approximately 2
vacations a year and typically visits the North/South Carolina beaches, but
this year we opted to try Virginia. This was out first visit to the
Sandbridge area and we tried several of the local restaurants, as well as a
few in Virginia Beach locales, before stumbling across this gem via an
inviting advertisement in the Virginia Beach travel mag.
We were pleasantly surprised by both the atmosphere and the wonderful
waterfront scenery, but even more we were incredibly pleased with the
personal charm and influence that the new owner (Paul) added. Please make
sure to pay close attention to the newer 'reviews' on this establishment -
as Paul only purchased it approx 4 months ago so am sure they should not be
judged on past experiences.
Aside from the contributing influences above, let's get down to cuisine -
the food was terrific. Our first night there (yes, we made another visit!)
was a mix of seven adults/kids and the dinner was incredible! From the
breads/butters, soups and entrees thru the desserts!! - Everything was
splendid! My wife and I went back alone the next night for a more romantic
time and opted for a range of soups, appetizers and a desert (versus full
course meal) and were also incredibly full as well as satisfied in more ways
than one can detail.
Bottom line - this place was a success across multiple levels. The food is
scrumptious! The hospitality is outstanding! Pete's laid-back personality
and knowledge of wines was appreciated! And last but not least, we were
spoiled to have gotten his manager Leila (sorry if spelled incorrect!) as
our waitress the first night - she added much to the overall meal delight
and ambience!
Without a doubt - we'll return!
David Deceder, New York Jun 08
Just wondering if you had any "kids eat
free" listings; if not, I think that would be a great, extremely helpful
addition to your website.
Carrie Felty Jun 08
Editor's note: This is a great idea.
We can add it to future reviews. And as soon as we get the time to poll all
the restaurants we have visited, we will add those.
Blue Pete's
Just had dinner at Blue Pete's - near
Pungo/Sandbridge. It just re-opened under new management. The food is really
really good. Try the Green Fried Tomatoes appetizer.
It is a bit pricy - entrée's anywhere from around $13 - $37 (lobster - rack
of lamb) Great atmosphere. A real slice of old Virginia Beach. Highly
recommend it for a special dining event.
Karen Jones May 08
You all
have the best restaurant reviews. Please update !
Thanks,
Tom M. May 08
Tilted Table
We visited VB and, based on your and other reviews, chose to eat at Tilted
Table. The wine list was very good, the tempura-battered calamari perhaps
the best I've ever had. The salads very refreshing and edgy, while the
she-crab soup was earthy and full. For entrees, we had Chicken Saltimboca -
lush and perfect, Pork Tenderloin - good but a little dry, and the Sea Food
Medley - awesome. The scallops were like biting into a pat of sun-softened
butter. All 4 for less than $200! Service by Denise was attentive but not
hovering and catered to our slow gustatorial style. We will return.
New Bern, NC Feb. 08
eat, an American bistro
I am interested in getting a listing in your restaurant guide. I my be
contacted @ 9652472 or via email. Thank you.
Erick and Christy Heilig, eat-an american bistro Nov. 07
Editor's note: We never tell when or if we are going to visit a
restaurant. And we never announce ourselves before, during or after the
visit. We hope to get the same dining experience that our web visitors would
receive. Having said that, be careful what you ask for. See the EAT review
in on the American page.
About 15 years ago we ate (and drank) at a restaurant with
a bayou swamp theme, spanish moss, drinks in mason jars etc. It may have
been called pongos, or some variation on that. As I recall, it was not to
far from downtown, perhaps south of Oceana NAS. It was a great deal of fun,
and we want to go back, but can't find it in any listings or reviews. I may
have the name wrong. Any ideas?
john scott, abingdon, md Sep. 07
Editor's note: you might be thinking of Hurd's
Restaurant which to the best of our knowledge is no longer in existence,
although there is still a Hurd's Road in the area you mentioned. I
remember going there years ago, but I don't believe it is still in business.
Blue Pete's also serves drinks in a Mason Jar. It is also located in the
area you mentioned at 1400 N. Muddy Creek Road.
757-426-2005. Maybe other locals can chime in on this.
Catch 31
Thank you for your guide on the restaurants at Virginia Beach! My wife and
I went to Catch 31 based upon your reviews. Despite there being a wedding
taking place when we walked in, the service was impeccable, the food
delicious and the great atmosphere (we sat on the patio near the bar) made
the evening. We got there a bit before 5p and even though they were still
technically serving lunch, we were given the dinner menu as requested. I
would give it all 5's!
-Jenn and Nicole Novesky Sep. 07
Tilted Table
I was reviewing your restaurant guide when I
noticed that Redmill Commons was not on the list. Myself and business partner
own Tilted Table and would like to be on the guide. Please let me know how I can
do this. You can access my website at Tiltedtablevb.com.
Thanks!!!
-Annette Roth & Denise Adams Sep. 07
Tradewinds
You should consider updating a review of the Tradewinds. Not only has the
decor in restaurant been softened since your last review (June 2004) it now
features a more casual style of outdoor deck dining under an outdoor awning
overlooking the Bay. The deck features a casual fare menu.On top of this,
management has changed and service seems to be quite impressive these days.
Executive Chef John Maclure still produces magnificent meals . The
Tradewinds award winning Sunday Brunch is "Best of the Beach" year in and
year out. Tradewinds is now featuring an Asian Night Buffet each Friday
night with fresh Sushi rolls and other enticing Asian fare prepared in front
of your eyes. Give Tradewinds another look; chances are you may have a
better opinion.
-Harvey
Shiflet Sep. 07
Editor’s note: Dr. Shiflet owns the hotel, or at least a good portion of
it. We plan to re-review it Winter 2007.
Catch 31
Thank you for your guide on the restaurants at Virginia Beach! My wife and
I went to Catch 31 based upon your reviews. Despite there being a wedding
taking place when we walked in, the service was impeccable, the food
delicious and the great atmosphere (we sat on the patio near the bar) made
the evening. We got there a bit before 5p and even though they were still
technically serving lunch, we were given the dinner menu as requested. I
would give it all 5's!
-Jenn and Nicole Novesky
Rudee's
Today my 5 month pregnant wife and our neighbor and her 9 year old daughter
went to Rudee’s for dinner. They arrived at 6:30, had their order taken by
6:50 and didn’t get their food until 7:45. The waitress was nonexistent and
when she did stop by she wasn’t very useful. The food was good however
service was horrible. It took 15 minutes just to get the check. They did
not valet park their vehicle and the valet’s blocked them in. It took
another 20 for them to move the vehicle. We are not tourists in Virginia
Beach, we live here but obviously some places have forgotten that locals do
come down to the ocean front. We will not be going to Rudee’s again and
I’ll make sure to let other locals know.
- Michael Marsicano
You should
consider updating your site or take it down. My family and I spent a lot of
time chasing down restaurants that no longer exist! Both 40th Street Bistro
and Orion's are out-of-business. I would consider taking down your site
until you can update it. It will save people a lot of headache. At the very
least, put some dates on the reviews. It would otherwise be a great site if
the information was current.
-Andrew Krause Jun. 07
Editor's Note: Thanks very much for your note. You are right. Many of the
restaurants change hands, names, etc. almost yearly and sometimes we don't
catch the changes. Orion's, when you were here was called the Sand
Dollar...same place, same kitchen etc, just new name. However the name has
now been changed back to Orion's. 40th Street Bistro has become the
Pacifica which we did review but neglected to take 40h Street out. Pacifica
is a tapas restaurant and is listed under Spanish. Thanks again. We will
attempt to be more diligent.
Can I
contribute restaurant assessment on a regular basis? Spend about three days
every week in VAB and enjoy trying new restaurant. Love to cook and enjoy
eating great food. Noticed some of our favorite restaurants weren't even
included on your list.
walt Sobczyk
Editor's
note: Love to have your help Walt, but the same group of people have to rate
all the restaurants or the rating system will not be even. However thanks
for the offer. If you would like to send money to defer our cost of eating
out, it would be greatly appreciated. Just kidding.
Fly'N
Fishbone
We went to a soul food restaurant, Fly’N Fishbone, at 4316 Virginia Beach
Boulevard, 757-226-7477. The food was great, very reasonable (under $14 for
a full dinner with dessert), and it was real home cooking. The ribs,
barbecued chicken, ribs, collard greens, macaroni and cheese and the
desserts, like Boston Cream Cake and Red Velvet Cake, were out of this
world. The place is very clean and welcoming. It blows all the chains
away! We had two dinners there.
- Suzanne
Leichtling,
Cape
Canaveral, FL Jun. 07
Cobalt Grill
I enjoyed reading all of the reviews that you have made available to the
public. One restaurant that I was surprised to not see in the reviews was
the Cobalt Grill on Laskin road (Hilltop North). As a local and a former
chef in the area, I enjoy dining there from time to time when I am looking
for a change of atmosphere and food styles. I have found the restaurant to
be consistently excellent in both its food quality and service. The
assorted Crème Brule dish on the dessert menu is always great. If you
haven’t visited this restaurant, I encourage you to give it a try. Thanks
- samuel loftheim May 07
Editor's note:
Visited this restaurant for lunch shortly after they opened. Found it to be
very pricy. May visit again for dinner, but it is a bit out of the resort
area and is definitely not a destination restaurant.
Bahir Dar
Hi, I just found your website and wondered if you could help me track down a
good Ethiopian Restaurant in the Hampton Roads area. I fell in love with
the cuisine in San Diego and Memphis, but haven't been able to find a place
here. If you could point me in the right direction, I would greatly
appreciate it.
Sincerely,
- Amanda,
There is
one in Hampton, Virginia, which is on west (north) side of the Hampton Roads
Bridge Tunnel.
Bahir Dar, 17 East Queens Way, 723-0100. With light traffic you can
drive it in about an hour from the Oceanfront.
Coastal Grill
Last night, we had a marvelous meal at Coastal Grill. I asked for my
leftovers to go, as it was a sizeable amount of delicious oysters, slaw and
potatoes. Much to my disappointment, when I opened my container today to eat
my leftovers for lunch, they were not there!! I had a chicken bone and an
acorn squash that my son had left. I know this was an honest mistake, but
when I called the restaurant to let them know, the response was "Jerry said
too bad, we can't be responsible......." We spent $143 on dinner and left a
$30 tip. They could humor me and offer us a complementary drink or a
dessert on my next visit. I am not valued as a customer, and will not go
back no matter how good the food is.
- Toni
Beach Pub
My husband & I had lunch today at Beach Pub. We went after old friend raved
over the "lunch specials" they serve. We had flounder with fries, cole slaw,
hushpuppies...also "side" of black beans& rice. The meal was awesome and
black beans& rice were the best ever! It was fun ,friendly staff and
packed!!! GO early(11 am or shortly after) This is truly a diamond in the
rough! We can't wait to go again :)
- Zebo & Diva Decy
PS//// If you have room (or not) YOU must try bread pudding also.....
Captain John's Crab House
My family had the worse experience ever (out of all places we have been).
My ratings are as follows: F-1; S-1; A-1
-Disappointed Local
My
husband and I had dinner at Capt. John’s Crab House on Atlantic Ave. on our
first night in Virginia Beach. We went there based on both the ads in the
tourist brochures and the rating of this site. BIG MISTAKE! We paid about
$18.00 per person for the all you can eat buffet, plus additional charge for
beverages. The overall restaurant seemed dirty. The seafood buffet was
horrible. The food was absolutely inedible. My husband opened two crabs and
both were black inside. Even the macaroni and cheese was horrid. I’d give
the restaurant a “1” for food, service, and atmosphere. The only reason I’d
give it a “1” in all three areas is that there isn’t a lower rating number
to give it. Tourists…take my advice: Ignore the ads, stay away from this
restaurant. It is horrible! An aside to the editors…please check this
restaurant again. No way does it deserve the ratings you gave it.
- Ms. G. Jun 07
Editor's note: We have never rated this facility because of the negative
feedback we have received from diners. We really don't want to spend our
money either on a bad dining experience.
VB
Restaurant Guide Editor: Do you have a phone number I may call you? I have
some updates the listing you have posted. Thanks.
-Laura Wood Habr,
Owner Crock's
Editor's
Note: Sorry we don't work that way. You get what we feel is fair to other
folks who will visit your restaurant. We realize that you change your menu's
often and applaud it for it. But we haven't got the time or money to visit
you every 3 moths. We are just 2 couples who have a limited budget. You got a
good rating. Give it a rest.
Croakers Restaurant
A birthday ruined by this restaurant: Reservations made, table requested,
and when we get there, the rudest "hostess" in the city. When we asked for
the table that we requested when making our reservation, we were told that
the table in the bar area is it, "take it or leave it". Well, we left it-
the restaurant too. We do not need to spend our money at a place with such
contempt for its patrons that they are forced to put up with this type of
behavior. Her walking away from us as we were trying to figure the table
snafu out was the icing on the cake. The food? Who knows- or cares? If you
can't be met at the door by a decent human being, the food doesn't matter.
Obviously this restaurant neither needs nor wants new customers!
-Jeanne W.
Re: the comment on Croakers....the last two times I went there with friends,
the staff vacuumed around us while we were still eating. It was only 9:30
PM. The food was good, but the staff should learn some manners.
- Toni
I
noticed that you don't have any Town Center restaurants listed on your
website. You don't even have a Town Center link under the "Locations"
heading. This is a growing area of Virginia Beach and has become a
destination spot for local dinners & tourists as well. There are at least
14 restaurants directly in the Town Center and many more in the surrounding
area. To be a complete Virginia Beach Restaurant guide, it may benefit you
to contact these establishments. I was not able to register my store
through your website, so I'm wondering how this process works. Please email
me or call me at the restaurant with any questions or with information
regarding the preceding information.
Thank You,
Bret Bartlett,
General
Manager, Gordon Biersch Brewery Restaurant
Hello!
My name is Anna Moen and I am the sales and marketing manager for Gordon
Biersch Brewery Restaurant Group, Inc. located in Town Center in Virginia
Beach. I was wondering if you have had a chance to come check our
establishment out as of yet. I would love to see us in your dining guide. We
have a wonderful casual atmosphere with a sophisticated feel. Our beer is
fresh and brewed on site, and our food is outstanding!! If you have not come
out to see us yet, please give me a call and I will make a reservation for
you to come give us a try!!! Thank you for your time!!
Sincerely,
Anna K. Moen, Gordon Biersch Brewery Restaurant Group, Inc.
Editor's note: We don't review chains. We feel folks can eat at them at
home. Plus visitors to the waterfront areas are not going to go to Town
Center for dinner since there are so many great restaurants near the water
unless there is a "destination" restaurant that is unique, Virginia Beach.
Steinhilbers comes to mind, and although we have eaten there dozens of time,
we haven't gotten around to rating it.
Here's the way our review works. We save up our money until we can eat out
and chose a restaurant that we think folks are going to enjoy. If we enjoy
it, we tell you so. If not, we suggest that people not waste their money.
It's not scientific, but when folks are going to spend $50 to $100 dollars
on a meal, we like to help them get a fair value.
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